2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet Updated: 4/4/2020

Posted: April 6, 2020

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet
Updated: 4/4/2020
2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new kind of coronavirus that was first detected in China and has now been detected in
many countries, including in the United States and in Iowa.
There are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans, including four very common, more mild viruses that cause illness
similar to the common cold. Healthcare providers test for these common coronaviruses routinely and no public health measures
are needed to address these common coronaviruses. Three of the seven coronaviruses are rare and can cause more severe
illness, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Symptoms:
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include:
● Fever
● Cough
● Shortness of breath
Reported illnesses have ranged from people being mildly sick to people being severely ill and dying. Older patients and those with
chronic medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness.
There is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Testing:
More testing is becoming available each day through the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) and through private labs. Your health
care provider will make the determination on whether you need a test, and can consult with public health if they have questions.
Testing guidance is available here: http://shl.uiowa.edu/dcd/covid19.xml
Additional testing resources here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
Spread:
The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet). Spread
occurs from respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes that land in the mouths or noses of people
who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has
the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Prevention:
CDC has issued travel warnings for some affected countries, with warning levels varying based on the risk to travelers. The Iowa
Department of Public Health recommends that Iowans who have returned from traveling outside the state for business or
vacation in the last 14 days voluntarily self- isolate for 14 days following their return and monitor for fever and other symptoms.
Individuals who have cleared their 14 day self-isolation or public health monitoring are not at risk for spreading COVID-19.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being
exposed to this virus. People can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses to others by covering their coughs and sneezes,
cleaning their hands frequently, and staying home when ill.
Contact information
Iowa Department of Public Health
Please call 211 for general questions